- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Santouka Ramen
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
3760 S Centinela AveLos Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 391-1101
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 8:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1046 reviews for Santouka Ramen
Review Highlights
"The food court has many other tempting options as well."
(in 284 reviews)
"it's in Mitsuwa Japanese Market, which gives it bonus..."
(in 64 reviews)
"The Shio Ramen is sooooooo good."
(in 167 reviews)
Loading...
1045 reviews in English
-
Review from Joel T.
Simi Valley, CA
Best overall ramen place in LA.
Sure it's located inside a Mitsuwa, the workers seem like they wouldn't pee on you if you were dying of thirst, and they give little itty bitty water cups out. It's still the best ramen place when it comes to price, quantity and most importantly, taste.
A large bowl of ramen (large spicy miso is what I normally get) will run you a little under the $10 mark. While it sounds kind of expensive for a bowl of ramen, try to take into account some of the competitors. Grossly inferior ramen (Ramenya, Orochon), will cost you just a bit less at around the $9 range. Ramen of the same caliber (Robata Jinya, Daikokuya, ShinSenGumi) will get you in the range of $11-$20 per bowl. Ten bucks seems like a steal to me at this point.
Service is basically non-existent as it's pretty much fast food. Order, pay, they call out your number, you go and pick it up from the counter. Condiments are right there for you, but you can't take them with you. They do provide little plastic containers to put the condiments in, but doesn't play well with the giant shaker that holds the "special" seasoning. Little water cups and water if you need it are provided; although I usually just run into the market section and buy a drink.
I haven't even really mentioned how good the ramen here is. I'm not even going to. You should just take what I've said and use deductive reasoning to figure that one out on your own...or you could just go and try it for yourself.
CASH MONEY ONLY! -
Review from Bobbie W.
2/7/2012 1 photo
Orochon, daikokuya...move over! Santouka takes the cake for best ramen in so cal. I've had it at the mitsuwa in Costa Mesa and I just tried it here and it's pretty consistent...consistently good!
I got the salt ramen and pork rice combo. The soup was delicious and the pork chasu was tender and tasty. The pork rice combo was so good and I was delighted to see that it wasn't filled with fatty pieces. I can never pick between rice or noodles so this combo is perfect for people like me that want it all! It's definitely more than enough food since they're super generous with the amount of noodles they give. It also comes with a marinated egg.
The prices are definitely reasonable for the amount of food you're getting. I prefer Santouka over any other ramen place! -
Review from Andy T.
Valley Village, Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012
The best ramen broth I've had (both salt ramen and spicy miso)
The best pork chasu I've had (premium order only, served on the side)
The 2nd best noodles I've had. Ramen Jinya has the best noodles.
Downside: no credit cards, no take out, sometimes quite crowded. -
Review from Ellen L.
Santouka is definitely a hidden gem in the market. I came here for the first time two weeks ago when my friends came to visit. Most people will miss this place because it's just a small spot in the food court of the market. They have a display case of the different types and sizes of ramen they have, and I appreciated the visuals since I can be pretty indecisive sometimes. I ordered the small Spicy Miso Ramen and it was just the right amount for me---didn't feel too full but I wasn't still hungry either. If you're a heavy eater you should definitely consider the regular or larger size, and they also offer extra toppings. This place is up there for the top ramen places I've been to, so try it out if you get a chance!
-
Review from Michelle C.
Orange, CA
2/2/2012
I LOVE SANTOUKA!!!
Living on the westside, there aren't that many good ramen places and Little Tokyo is too far of a drive. Thankfully, there's Santouka!
Out of all the little food shops inside Mitsuwa, Santouka is easily the busiest and totally worth the wait. I always go with the spicy miso & rice with pork combo. The small ramen comes with only one piece of pork, but it's okay because the amount of pork with rice is plentiful.
Eat. Shop. Be happy. -
Review from Mindy S.
Cupertino, CA
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Why did i have to go to LA to find out there is a BOMB AZZZZZ ramen place inside a freaking supermarket?!
My friend took me here and I fell in love with this place. I ordered the B combo and my GOD do they give you a LOT of food!
The salt ramen is the only way to go. The broth was just the right amount of salt and just the right amount of love cooked into it. I just wish they made it spicy...they do have a spicy miso based ramen but I still would rather go with the salt (I usually always choose spicy over any other flavor so this is saying a LOT).
I'm not one who loves al dente noodles but this ramen was the best ramen I've tasted. The noodles were just the perfect amount of softness and chewiness (my mouth is watering as I'm writing this).
oh did I mention how fast we got the food?! less than 5 minutes for bomb ramen?! i can't even cook instant noodles that fast... -
Review from Miguel R.
1/23/2012
DAIKOKUYA IS STILL THE BEST RAMEN IN LOS ANGELES!!!!
Ladies and gentlemen....don't believe the anti-hype. Daikokuya is not a mere tourist trap just because it is in Little Tokyo. They are the best!!!! Do question any of the Yelpers that try to find authenticity merely by going to places most people don't usually know have good Japanese food like Little Tokyo West and Gardena! Haha!
At the end of the day Santouka is a very close second! That is all!!!! :)
I ordered my medium sized soy sauce ramen (they also offer salt and miso ramen) with a small bowl of rice topped with pork and green onions along with a soy sauce dipped hard boiled egg. Only $10.85 - but that is still more expensive than Daikokuya since for that much money I can also get some nice hot green tea at Daikokuya! PLUS I can rarely finish my bowl at Daikokuya - it's just so much food!
Daikokuya passes the value test! Santouka does not.
The broth at Santouka is superb. Different from Daikokuya's but very similar all the same. It has more of a pork flavor to it and maybe less of the soy sauce kick to it. It is very subtle and refined.
There is a tie between Daikokuya and Santouka broth! Daikokuya may have a slight edge....just maybe!
The noodles at Santouka are nice and firm and tasty. Beautiful color and great consistency!
There is a tie between Daikokuya and Santouka noodle consistency!
The chashu pork at Santouka is sloppily shaped. Some are chunks and some are the familiar slices. I don't think the chunks absorb enough of the broth flavor or contribute as much to it either as slices do. The pork here is not as melt in your mouth soft as in Daikokuya! However, it is still really good and not salty as at other places.
Sorry, Santouka fails the chashu pork test!
The pork in the little bowl with rice is OK. Great rice!
The hard boiled egg is good too!
The fact that this place is in a food court detracts from the overall experience.... However, you can go to Mitsuwa to get drinks and dessert! I got my beloved Calpico Lychee drink and some Rangury Matcha Green Tea cookies mmmm!!!!
The girls behind the counter are very nice and knowledgeable. They're funny too! My friend ArmaNaco was told his change was $60 when he had given them a $20 bill haha! I immediately said I wanted the same cashier and we all laughed!Listed in: Best Ramen in Los Angeles…
-
Review from Sandee T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
Great ramen (4.5 stars), super-quick self-serve, marketplace open seating. Cash-only. Frequency: several times a year.
Good place to go for warm and delicious ramen~! (And some grocery shopping post-grub). -
Review from Lois K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
I had tried the Miso ramen previously and all I remembered was that it was very salty. This time, I tried the Shio (salt) ramen, expecting it to taste MUCH better because of the raves about it on Yelp. Not very impressed. I didn't like their noodles -they are too hard (not chewy) and bland because they don't absorb any of the flavors of the soup. The broth was okay but didn't blow me away. I think if the noodles were better, I would have enjoyed the broth more.
Gave 3 stars instead of 2 though because their nato (fermented soybean) is reallyy good. -
Review from Lawrence L.
Covina, CA
After spending an early evening watching the Xmas boat parade at the Abbot Kinney Canals which is always a trip anyway, I was looking forward to a nice hot bowl of noodles to warm up. I wasn't in the mood to spend another hour driving and waiting in line for my ramen at Daikokura or ShinSenGumi so I wanted something closer to where I was at. That's when I remembered that everyone goes to the somewhat ubiquitous Santouka that is in all the Mitsuwa Markets...
This was my first time here to the one on Centinela in LA, I've only been to the other one on Paulerino in OC, but it feels the same to me being in a food court and all. I should have availed myself the opportunity to try the Shio Ramen that is suppose to be their signature ramen, but I always though that the broth at Santouka was more on the salty side anyway and I didn't want anything saltier. Someone suggested that it's less salty than normal but I don't understand that completely and I was too afraid to try it at the time, maybe next time...
As it was we were more interested in just filling our bellies with some warm food so we stuck with our usual favs: I had the Shoyu Ramen http://www.yelp.com/bi... combo with the pork bowl http://www.yelp.com/bi... and egg on the side, and she had the same thing except for the Miso Ramen...
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
As usual the slightly oily broth was well received, I still think that the broth is a bit on the salty side compared to other places, but not to the point where I didn't eat it. Since I usually choose the Shoyu flavor, it's possible that the pork broth and soy sauce is just naturally a little more salty tasting, I'll just have to broaden my palate and try either the Miso or the Shio for myself the next time. The chasiu pork was delicious and delectable as usual, sliced slightly thick the way I like. I still appreciate that they give you a full egg sliced in half instead of just a half an egg like some places, http://www.yelp.com/bi... although my personal preference is for a more runny egg yoke instead of simply hard boiled. The bamboo shoots in our ramens were nice; I like the black fungus veggies in hers over the dried seaweed nori in mine, but that's ok...
I'm glad that I had a chance to finally try this Santouka... -
Review from Cheryl B.
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Having been to a few Santoukas and eating a few times at the ramen rival, Daikokuya, I have to give Santouka the upper hand.
Always consistently good. I don't mind the line. The egg is delicious. I have my cash and I will gladly give it to them.
The kicker is always going to be the broth. Others are too fatty or weak, but the lovely saltiness of Santouka wins me over every time.
BRB, I'm going to deliciously wallow in my bloated state.Listed in: Asian Eats
-
Review from BonBon T.
Los Angeles, CA
5-star ramen! Best in town ever since Daikokuya ramen's quality has dropped tremendously. Santouka is comparable with Ramen-ya on Olympics.
_______________
Santouka Ramen
_______________
Broth: rich, full of flavor, a bit too salty for my taste, more on the oily side.
Meat: tender, fat and lean ratio is perfect
Ramen: thinner than usual ramen, nice texture, perfectly al dente
Bamboo shoots: tasty, would want there is more
Green onions: nicely cut into small tiny little pieces
The ramen itself doesn't come with an egg. It comes with an egg on the side for the ramen and rice bowl combos. The egg is so yummy! I ordered the miso ramen + pork(cha siu) & green onions over rice combo, the #83, came out to be $10.85. Can't wait to go there more often. Nice place for a quick lunch. and it's near work! perfect. They don't serve to-go. you need to ask for a container and pour it yourself. -
Review from ida marie b.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
been looking for a place to compare to the ramen we had in tokyo.. Santouka wins!
Santouka is in the Mitsuwa marketplace on Centinela & Venice in Mar Vista (which is borderline culver city ..i've never heard of Mar Vista. kinda like most people don't know where eagle rock is). sounds strange. somewhat of a mini food court in a japanese market. i absolutely love japanese markets!
if you're with a group of people (or even just 1 other person), i would suggest staking your claim at one of the tables FIRST and have the other person order for you. while you're waiting for your number to be called or waiting for your group to finish eating, go to the market and pick up a few (or several) things. melon popsicles! ramune hard candy! dark chocolate japanese kit kats! yumm
all in all, a top notch ramen spot in southern california. it is worth the drive. DO IT. -
Review from Mark H.
Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2012
This is great ramen - I highly recommend it. They have three ramen soup types - salt, soy, and miso (can be ordered spicy), and my favorites are the salt and miso ones. Yes, I've tried every combination. Make sure you order the side dishes (egg + pork side dish), it really completes the set. Please note this is coming from a guy who thinks pho is the ultimate noodle soup.
-
Review from mandy s.
Santa Monica, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food is quite good, but the whole "no substitutions, no take out containers, no order changes after order, cash only, etc, etc" seems like a whole lot of NOs that border on the Soup-Nazi antics from Seinfeld. How about more helpfulness and cheer for your customers?
The service counter woman wasn't quite rude but wasn't anything positive either. I might go back if I happen to be there, but I won't go out of my way. -
Review from Fancypants X.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I found Santouka's display case 'menu' to be overwhelming. So many different options & sizes & bowls. My brain would have preferred words instead of plastic molds but I finally settled on Spicy Miso, which was only available in one size ($~ 6.50.)
Initially, I thought the long, thin noodles were too al dente (a major selling point for most, I know) but they softened up midway through the meal.
The broth was satisfyingly spicy & rich, but definitely MSG-filled, so I left most of it (the hell) alone to avoid sodium overload/a headache later. Wonderful flavor; probably my 2nd favorite broth. (#1 spot goes to Ramen Dojo's in San Mateo.)
My bowl came with roasted pork (which I don't eat. My bf said it was 'very good'), wood ear mushrooms, scallions & bamboo shoots (which I ordered extras of.) I didn't appreciate my bowl being so bare. I know ramen is supposed to be all about the broth & the noodles but I do like my toppings & add-ons. I would've loved some roasted or fried garlic, roasted seaweed, & corn to dress up my ramen.
I'd stop by this crowded supermarket to try Santouka again the next time I'm in so cal. Cash only.Listed in: Ramen
-
Review from Julie L.
12/20/2011 1 photo
My first impression was, "This Japanese food court is packed, and um...almost every table has a bowl of noodles!"
I was just thinking about noodles when my boyfriend recommended we go to this place. First of all, I am really impressed by how many people love the food, and how long the line is to get a bowl of noodles at this place. But dang, was it worth it. My first shot at trying Japanese noodles and this place was not a disappointment. It's a bowl of fresh noodles with a great tasting broth that you will be finishing every last slurp of. It's flavorful, the noodles are perfectly chewy, the soup is not too greasy, and the cute presentation just added a plus.
Good luck finding a seat though, I say one person orders while one person keeps a lookout on a place to sit. The price wasn't bad for the large portion, and the great taste.
The lasting impression? "If it's a cold/rainy day (check), you're in L.A (check), you have time to browse around this gem of a Japanese market (check), and you like Japanese ramen (check, check, check), head for Santouka!"Listed in: Musts LA, Soups, Stews, and Slurps
-
Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
My last 4 visits to this Santouka Ramen left me feeling like a panicked Stu (Ed Helms) in Hangover, ready to scream "Wut da f**k is going on?"
November visit #1: nice ramen with mild and creamy broth. Per usual: quality Shio Ramen.
November visit #2: found a huge 1 1/2 centimeter piece of clear plastic in the noodles (after eating about 5 bites).
December visit #1: found a long black eyelash on the inside edge of the bowl. Luckily I hadn't tried the ramen, yet).
December visit #2: Yesterday. I just wasn't ready to try Santouka again and simply sat there watching Olivia eating her bowl of ramen. I used to be such a HUGE fan of this place. My wife still is. The flavor is there, but now I really wonder about the cleanliness. It's gone from 5 stars, to 4 stars, and sadly now to 3 stars.
Seriously. It makes me feel like Ed Helms (as Stu) in Hangover II freaked out and yelling "What the f*c* is goin' on?"Listed in: Asian in L.A., Nihon no Ryori, No Country for Old Ramen
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
7/4/2011
Santouka is ramen.
When I was a Yelpfant ... in my rush to post quick reviews of my favorite locals… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ryan R.
West Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Food court restaurant inside Mitsuwa restaurant. i've read fellow yelpers outstanding recommendations of this place. Is it worth a try? if you are craving good ramen, this place will give you a good fixer upper. broth is good, noodles is good. no frills, no thrills ramen. enough said.
-
Review from Smitcha B.
Los Angeles, CA
12/21/2011 1 photo
Stopped by the other day for lunch. Santouka Ramen is located in the food court of the Mitsuwa market. If you come during rush hours, expect to fight for a table as well as wait in line to order AND receive you food. On this recent visit, there were only three vendors open that sold food which meant less choices for people looking to grab a bite here. Chances are many will be willing to wait in line for Santouka.
I was going to go with one of the combinations but their rice bowl line up wasn't too appealing: fermented bean (natto), salmon roe, char siu pork, or leek (which is like green onions). I just stuck with a medium or regular bowl of shio salt ramen, $8.15 with tax. Although the bowl comes out looking petite, they didn't skimp on the noodles itself.
The soup is super rich and thick. You'll find yourself refilling your small cup of water quite often. The ingredients they put along with your noodles is just perfect. When you order just the bowl of ramen, you miss out of the boiled egg unless you ask for it on the side which of course means you will pay extra. The pork can somewhat be fatty but it melts the minute your teeth makes contact.
The only thing I hoped they had laying out for us was vinegar. They have the Japanese chili powder for you as well as extra soy sauce which I believe you shouldn't need more of. If you like your ramen spicy, then opt out for the spicy miso ramen.
The ramen here is like every other Santouka Ramen I have visited in other Mitsuwa food courts. They all pretty much taste the same. I do like the consistently especially when you have a chain of stores going around. Expect to spend anywhere from $8-15 depending if you want more than just ramen. It's not the cheapest lunch out there. I hope you enjoy that strong soup base style ramen because that is what you're getting if you eat here.Listed in: So Cali Ramen FTW sucka!
-
Review from Michelle L.
Los Angeles, CA
Discovered a new item at Santouka! Actually it's probably not actually new but it's always exciting when I find a new favorite dish at an eatery.
Instead of getting the salt ramen like I usually do. I opted for the salt ramen that has the "premium" cuts of pork. Someone see in like explained to me that the broth is the same as the salt ramen, but the pork, bamboo shoots, and other goodies are served on the side in a plate. Plus, the pork is higher quality than the pork in their normal ramen, and is served in a larger portion.
The guy was right. This pork was AMAZING, and they give you 5-6 fatty, delicious pieces of chasu that simply melt in your mouth.
If you love salt ramen, like me, and love chasu (who doesn't?) then definitely order this ramen. It's a little on the heavier side, but it is worth the extra $$!!
Cash only, but there's a BOFA ATM in Mitsuwa and a Chase in the same parking plaza.Listed in: Ramen
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/23/2011
Mmmmm I LOVE ramen, and Santouka ramen definitely hits the spot.
I've tried their salt ramen, and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Katy O.
1/3/2012
Yeah, it really is that good. One might be skeptical to think the best ramen in LA can be found in a grocery store food court, but it really is much better than anything you'll get at a pricier sit-down Japanese restaurant. It rivals meals I've had in Japan certainly.
The miso broth is what I usually get. It's really satisfying, savory and flavorful. And the noodles aren't that ultra soft, squiggly stuff you might be used to. They're firmer and more filling. I've split a large bowl with a friend and walked away perfectly satisfied.
Yes it's cash only, but there's a Chase in the parking lot and a Wells Fargo on the other side of the intersection. Since being featured in the LA Times, patronage has gone up significantly and there isn't a HUGE amount of seating in the food court, but it's worth the wait. And you can go get your Asian market shopping on in Mitsuwa while you wait. -
Review from Sherry B.
Washington, DC
1/13/2012
my first authentic ramen experience....
it was good but a bit to rich for me. I am glad I tried it but its not for me. -
Review from Ken And Idy T.
Upland, CA
YUMMY RAMEN! I am a true fan of Santouka Ramen. At one point I came here two days in a row! It is one of the best ramen in Southern California even Daikokya cannot compare. The best option on the menu is their salt ramen. The broth is so good! The ramen is cooked just right and also the pork is seasoned well. For around $7.48 you can enjoy a medium size salt ramen. Each bowl of ramen comes with 2-3 chunks of pork, bamboo, a fish cake, some black fungus, and green onions. Everything marries together very well to give you a delicious bowl of ramen goodness.
This restaurant is located inside Mitsuwa supermarket so you can purchase some sashimi or sushi to go with your meal. In addition, parking is very convenient, which is a plus especially in LA. Santouka Ramen is cash only but don't worry! There is a Chase inside this plaza and also a Bank of America ATM machine inside the food court. -
Review from Timothy N.
La Jolla, CA
1/6/2012
I had the miso, salty and spicy ramen...
The miso and spicy ramen were okay...I guess I didn't like the flavor as much as other people
but omg, the salty ramen was so good
I need to try the soy next time -
Review from Y H.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/11/2012
- Cash Only
- No to-go orders
- Long wait for your ramen
But the ramen is actually delicious!!! The portion is smaller than Daikokuya but the soup base is a bit saltier, well-seasoned and more tasty compared to Daikokuya! I love this place!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/3/2012
- CASH ONLY and no to-go orders.
What was bad about it - the wait for the ramen is FOREVER long.
The… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jessica K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here on a whim. I was actually supposed to have a vegan dinner a few blocks away at Green Peas, but it was closed down for renovation. A total 180, I know, but honestly, who wants feel-good-about-yourself vegan food when there's some salty, not-something-you-should-eat-everyday ramen on the table?
Santouka is nestled in the charming little food court of Mitsuwa Marketplace, and it couldn't be anymore lowkey. They take your order, call your number, and then it's chow time. I got the small miso ramen and my friend got the small shio ramen. I am a huge stickler about food temperature. The ramen was great. The noodles were the right chewiness. Both broths were fantabulous (not too salty, never bland). The pork was tender and sliced evenly. All the garnishes in the ramen were really fun to pick out and each bite had something different, but all I ask is for my food to be PIPING hot.
It was cheap and quite delicious, so yes, I will come back if I'm in the area, but hopefully this time, my ramen will be hot, hot, hot. -
Review from Linda Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
LOVE Santouka! I've been to various ramen places throughout California, and I always come back to Santouka for the quality and convenience.
I've had the salt, soy sauce, and spicy miso broths, and the special pork (toroniku) ramen, and they're seriously all delicious. You can pair the special pork ramen with any of the broths, and I definitely think it's worth the extra money ($2?). The pork is so soft and tasty compared to the normal one, I can't go back again!
The employees work so hard and diligently, that even though there's sometimes a long line, there's usually not too long of a wait (ESPECIALLY those who go to Daikokuya will know how torturous it is to have to wait an hour to be seated!). One limiting factor is that Santouka is in the Mitsuwa food court, and it's sometimes hard to find places to sit during peak dinner hours. It also sucks that they don't take credit cards, but there's an ATM machine in the food court!
Definitely worth coming here if you don't like to wait! No waiter service, so you don't have to tip. There's no wait other than ordering and getting your food, and the ramen is super tasty for how quickly the workers make it! -
Review from Sandra C.
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I first visited, I ordered the signature Santouka ramen...which is called....I dunno, "Santouka Ramen"?! It wasn't bad...
However, a fellow Yelper suggested that I go back to try the Shio Ramen instead. I ordered an egg on the side too. LET ME TELL YOU...it was soooo gooooood!! The wait was OK, but totally worth it. I left feeling happy and full.
I guess the only negative thing about Santouka is that it is in need of some crowd control. SO MANY PEOPLE FLOCK HERE! Finding a parking spot is a bit annoying but possible though. I have nothing against food courts either, it's just that when you're alone....no one can save your seat for you. Yeah, I live a sad life. =[ Gonna go home to my cats now. -
Review from Ruchi M.
1/23/2012
If you're on the westside and its cold out, the place to go for ramen is santouka. It is delicious and a tad too rich for regular days. Their noodles are perfectly cooked. My friend introduced us to this place ages ago and said they made their broth in Japan. That's probably not true but when its this delicious, who cares?
-
Review from Liangzi H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2012
The ramen here has a very distinctive and mild flavor. Love the thin noodles, which absorb flavors nicely. It's healthy and delicious food. My roommate had a ramen once, and missed the meat in it for a long time. Definitely worth going, u won't be disappointed.
-
Review from Aavigalle H.
Venice, CA
12/29/2011
I don't remember the last time I inhaled food like that. Best Ramen I've ever had. The broth is amazing and rich with flavor. I got the small Shio (salt broth ramen) and it seemed like a lot of food. Also got a side of the leeks with rice and an egg. Everything was perfect and everything was under 10 dollars. Amazing deal for lunch. I went around 1:30 and there was a line almost out the door. It did move pretty quickly though.
Highly recommend! Parking is something horrific in the lot... Cash only! -
Review from Mary T.
Los Angeles, CA
Santouka has the best ramen in Southern California! I come here very often and it never fails to satisfy my ramen cravings. You have to try their salt ramen with special pork. The broth is very flavorful. The quality of the pork is just superb. The fat to meat ratio is perfect and it literally just melts in your mouth when you take a bite. I tried the regular salt chashu ramen, although it is a good and cheaper alternative, there is definitely a difference in the quality of the meat. Aside from the meat, you also get bamboo shoots, black fungus, scallions, tiny red plum, and a fish cake for your ramen. I usually add the red spice and white pepper for an extra kick.
The restaurant is located inside the food court of Mitsuwa. It's cash only, so make sure to bring cash! They also have a Bank of America ATM machine, so you can withdraw cash if you have BofA. There are also other restaurants you can order food from. Through the times of eating ramen at Santouka after a weekend of fun and lack of sleep, I found that japanese ramen is actually just as good of a hangover cure as pho! I definitely recommend this place if you love ramen. -
Review from Pilar B.
Yo double the stars!!
Perfect when you're under the weather....LOVE IT! *SLLUUURRP* the broth Mmmmm! The girl at the front is funny, she be calling out the numbers hella fast...57, 58, 59!! LOL!
I'll be back, yes Sir!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/22/2011
Mention Santouka Ramen to someone and they'll either know what you are talking about, or not. But… Read more »
-
-
Review from Michelle C.
Los Angeles, CA
Though ramen is perpetually delicious, there's something extra magical about a ramen bowl on two specific types of days:
1) Terribly awful days when it seems like the world wants to consume you
2) Cold rainy days when it seems like the weather wants to consume you
Thankfully, my last experience at Santouka was the latter and not the former. Came here with a girlfriend who wanted to treat me out for a belated birthday dinner (Linda H.'s company added some extra sunshine to the horrible weather), and YUM. Warm flavorful broth, tender pork, soft but chewy noodles... The perfect panacea to the gloom outside.
Santouka is nestled inside Mitsuwa Marketplace in an unexpected little food court. Personally, I like the cafeteria style ambiance. For such a small space and the lines that go out the door (literally, according to the girl behind the counter), tables and "Please wait to be seated signs" just won't work.
Order a bowl of ramen with the extra egg (totally worth it) and grab a scoop of green tea soft serve at Books and Cafe afterwards! -
Review from Carolyn P.
Westwood, CA
This place is no Ippudo but Santouka definitely satisfies a girl's ramen craving in LA. Located in the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court, the blue Santouka ramen bowls can be seen on almost every table. You can choose from the salt ramen, soy sauce ramen, miso ramen, and spicy miso ramen (all come in S/M/L). They also have a variety of small dishes. I happily slurped up my salt ramen and my husband enjoyed a bowl of spicy miso. The broth is deliciously porky and rich. If you're feeling hyponatremic, this place has the remedy!
I haven't tried too many other ramen joints in west LA...Santouka is definitely better than Chabuya in my opinion but I couldn't help but wish I were in NYC enjoying a big bowl of yumminess at Ippudo.
Just an FYI - cash only but never fear, there's a Bank of America ATM in the food court. -
Review from Lilli I.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2011
I actually am not sure if I like Santouka or Daikokuya better. In terms of wait time, Santouka definitely takes the cake.
And the fact that I don't have to deal with crappy DTLA parking and traffic is a plus, especially since I'm on the west side now.
In fact, I could def go for a big bowl of the spicy ramen with egg riiiight now. Yum yum. -
Review from Brian C.
Framingham, MA
12/10/2011
Quality = ASTRONOMICAL (only the #7 Special Pork Ramen)
Amount = GREAT
Price = $11 (you tell me).
LOVE LOVE LOVE the ramen. Everyone who I've ever brought here have LOVE LOVE LOVED the #7. The pork melts in your mouth. This is a bad place to eat if you have hypertension...but what a to die!
I am NOT in love that they:
1) close at 8:30pm sharp
2) accept cash only
3) sometimes run out of special pork
4) raised the price of the #7 to $11 (used to be closer to $9, but I understand that times are tough).
5) give you same amount of special pork even when you order the Large (they just serve you a little more ramen and soup). Boo to that!
One day, I'm going to work in their kitchen...find their suppliers...and make my own Santouka #7 Special Pork Ramen from my house. You all are invited. -
Review from Nalipay M.
San Francisco, CA
11/27/2011 1 photo
Hands down the best and most authentic Japanese Ramen in California (that I've had so far). 10 stars! Forget the that it's a chain, it's damn good Ramen!
This is one of the few times that I'll eat pork. I always order either the Miso Chashu (pork) Ramen or the Miso Toroniku Ramen. Compared to their sister store in San Diego their broth is a tad bit on the salty side, but still delicious nonetheless.
My only complaint is that they do not have a location that's closer to my house or work or have a food truck.
Cash only! -
Review from Lucile L.
Redondo Beach, CA
11/29/2011
Hum, Ramen....
I got the salt ramen and it was just yummy: perfectly cooked and flavored noodle, bamboo shoot, jelly ear and yummy Cha shu pork. I just want some now. I got the small size bowl and it was way enough for me.
The place is located in a japanese market which make the experience more authentic. You can go into the japanese market before or after ramen and grab some stuff u cannot find anywhere else. :)
Dont forget your cash.
Read more reviews for this business:
Dutch (1)
